Some Details About the Big News

Okay, so I wanted things to be more settled and I wanted to have more details before I made my announcement... but, I've been holding it in for months and months... and I think I'm going to explode if I don't share my excitement. So, here goes.

My undergraduate degree is in Chemistry.  I love chemistry, and I'm pretty good at it.  However, after my first job I changed fields and have been working in instructional design since.  I like instructional design, and I'm OK at it.  But, I don't have the same passion for it that I have for chemistry.  Well, about a year ago, while still living in Guam, I put in a few applications for Chemistry PhD programs.  Fast forward a couple of months and the acceptance letters start coming in.  I really didn't think I was going to get in.  After all, it's been 9 years since I graduated from college.  To say I'm a bit rusty at my Chemistry would be an understatement.  But, a couple of crazy schools out there actually want me. 

What's even better?  Between my GI Bill and teaching assistantships, I can actually afford to go to school.  So, I have one more week of working full time ahead of me.  Then, I'll work a few hours a week to help bring in some extra money, but my main focus will be school.  This is a very good thing for me as a person, but unfortunately, it will leave very little time for jewelry making.  I'm going to be one busy girl.  But, I'm excited.  I want to do drug research, and I want to make a difference in the world.  I feel like I got off track somewhere along the way.  But, now I'm back on track.  And, I'm in a better place to appreciate how great going back to school is.  I don't think I would have appreciated it as much 9 years ago.  Now, I know what I want and I know what is important.  I'm willing to work hard to become the person I want to be. 

The tough part is coming up.  I have a little over a week to prepare for my proficiency exams (that's right, I have to take proficiency exams before enrolling in my classes).  Then comes the graduate level courses and research.  Oh yeah, don't forget the teaching and grading.  I'm sure before the first semester is over, I'll be questioning my sanity... wondering why I ever wanted to leave a job I'm comfortable in and challenge myself this way... but, I'm ready to work hard and will do the things I need to do to succeed and go where I want in life.  Wish me luck because this is going to be difficult... but such an amazing adventure.  I'm very lucky to have a husband who supports me and helps me stretch my wings and try something that will be a huge challenge. 

Well, that's it for now.  I hope you all have something exciting and challenging in your lives.  It helps us grow and flourish.  Feel free to share your excitement and challenges in the comments section.  Try something new!

Kell

Introducing the Jewelry Swap Participants: Dawn Doucette

For those of you who follow my blog, the name Dawn Doucette is not a new one.  She's been mentioned and featured on my blog a bunch of times before.  However, in this post, I want to give you a chance to know her a little better.  Read on to learn how she got her start, what inspires her, and what she hopes to learn to do in the future.

Beadativity:  What is your name?
Dawn:  Dawn Doucette.

Beadativity:  When did you start designing and creating jewelry?
Dawn:  I've tinkered for years, but I really decided to pursue jewelry making as a business about 2 years ago.

Beadativity:  Why did you begin creating jewelry?
Dawn:  As a kid, I did not come from a creative family - quite the opposite, everything was black & white.  It was my future Mother-in-Law that encouraged me to be creative and as she said, "Surely sweetie, there's something you are really good at.  You just haven't discovered it yet."  Then, she needed a chain for her reading glasses... I beaded one for her and the rest is all history.  All of a sudden wire began calling my name and beads just couldn't resist coming to live at my house! :)

Beadativity:  What is your favorite piece of jewelry you have ever created

Dawn:  Favorite piece of jewelry ever... ohhh, that's so hard. Don't make me choose. It's really a toss-up between two.

First is a necklace I just made for my mom. The crystals and pearls came together with the hand-painted porcelain beads perfectly (and she loves it).

The other would have to be this triple strand purple & turquoise necklace. The colors and textures turned out even more beautiful than I had thought originally! Other than that, anytime I get to create with Swarovski or pearls for wedding jewelry is always special.

Beadativity:  What is your favorite piece of jewelry you have seen?

Dawn:  There's not one specific piece. I've seen so many. I really admire glass artists that create lampwork glass beads. But for complete pieces, I just love the intricate wirework. The swirls and spirals just make me drool.

Beadativity:  What is your favorite jewelry making technique (beadweaving, wire wrapping, stringing, etc…)?

Dawn:  I create using different methods, but my most creative pieces have been wire crocheted. The possibilities are endless!

Beadativity:  Where does your inspiration for your pieces come from?

Dawn:  Oh everywhere! I can see a piece of artwork or a picture and it talks to me. Sometimes nature - flowers, butterflies and places inspire me. Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to be open to it!

Beadativity:  Can my readers buy your jewelry? Where? 

Dawn:  Yes, you can buy on my website: http://www.designsbydawnmarie.com or directly through my artfire store: http://www.artfire.com/users/dawnmd But for routine giggles and inspiration, my blog is a happenin' piece of real estate. http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com

Beadativity:  What do you like to do in your spare time?

Dawn:  I love spending time with family. Golfing, reading and my favorite past time... a good afternoon nap!

Beadativity:  Do you have any pets?

Dawn:  Absolutely - we have two dogs and they truly are our kids. My little princess is Brandi, a Springer Spaniel and my son Cody, is an English Setter. They are best of friends!

Beadativity:  What is your favorite color?

Dawn:  Purple... hands down, always has been since I could say my colors as a little tot.

Beadativity:  What is your favorite color to use in jewelry?

Dawn:  For metal & wire, I'm fascinated with copper. When it comes to choosing beads I love working with purple (of course) and turquoise.

Beadativity:  What is one new technique that you would like to learn?

Dawn:  My bucket list for jewelry making includes just once, I'd love to play with fire. I admire the artists that create lampwork beads and I've always wanted to try it. Someday I'll get to... I just know I will.

Beadativity:  Tell us one interesting fact about yourself.

Dawn:  I love hugs! I hug everyone... it's just me. Sharing a hug always brightens someones day and then they can go forward and share a smile with somebody else!

This is just a peek into a really cool woman.  Check out her blog to get to know her a little better.  When you read her posts, you'll feel like one of her closest friends!  And definitely check out all of her beautiful jewelry.  She's an amazing artist.  Her Mother-in-Law was right that she is great at something (actually, I'm pretty sure she's good at many things) and it's definitely jewelry.

Big Changes on the Horizon

You know how people ask "where do you see yourself in five years?"  Well, I asked myself the same question last year... and I didn't like where I was headed.  So, I decided to make some changes and try to change the direction of my life.  I can't give too many details right now, but in about a month all the changes I've been working to make will come together.  My life will go down a dramatically different path. 

I'm working to become the person I think I should have been becoming all along.  I want to make a difference in the world... and I don't think the person I am right now will make a difference.  However, the person I want to become may be able to make the world a better place for a much larger group of people than I will even meet in my lifetime.  I can't wait for the change to take effect... and I can't wait to be able to share all the details with you.  For now though, I hope you'll join with me in the excitement of becoming the person I want to be... even if it is about 10 years late ;)

Kell

A New House, Internet, and Stuff!!!

It has been a long road, but I am finally getting settled in Miami!  Our adventure began at the end of April when we shipped most of our belongings from Guam.  At the end of May, we shipped the remainder of our belongings... and on June 1, we hopped a flight to Miami.  Okay, okay, so hopped a flight isn't trully accurate.  The travel time from Guam to the East Coast of the United States is about 24 hours including layovers... so, we dragged ourselves through the travel process (although we did have a 4 day layover in Hawaii to help with the trip).

Our adventure wasn't over when we arrived in Miami.  All of our housing options had fallen through, so we stayed in a hotel while looking for a new home.  That's right, we moved over 8,000 miles without having a place to live.  After 3 days of looking at homes, we put in an offer and hopped in a minivan to drive north to pick up our beautiful dog, Bailey.  On the trip, we heard back from the seller and had to do all the paperwork from a FedEx Office store.  We continued our trip north and stayed with my in-laws for about a week.  While there, we heard back from the inspection company... and had to re-negotiate on the house.

After a great week with my in-laws, the hubby, the puppy, and I headed to my home town to spend a weekend with my step-mom.  It was the first time I'd been back to NY since my dad's funeral.  It was a difficult trip, and I freaked out before and during the visit.  But, I made it through and I think I am better for it.  Hopefully, it will help me achieve closure.

After the weekend, we spent three days traveling back to Miami... and, by three days, I mean three looooong days of driving.  Upon arrival, we moved in to a hotel for 2 weeks (before we could close on our house).  After the hotel, we moved into our new house with a puppy an air mattress and a few clothes for about a week before our shipment arrived and our internet was installed.  Now, two of our shipments have arrived... we still have one shipment left... and my car still hasn't arrived yet.  However, we are partially unpacked and able to live a relatively normal life.  We still have lots of work ahead of us, but life is pretty good after a long time of being unsettled. 

If you were keeping count, we were unsettled for almost three months, stayed in seven hotels (one in Guam, one in Hawaii, one in Miami, one on the way up north, two on the way back to Miami, and another one in Miami), stayed with two family members, and slept on an air mattress for a week.  Having our own belongings, house, puppy, and ability to cook food... priceless.  While stressful, the entire process was totally worth it.  I love being back in the U.S., I love our house, and I really enjoy our new neighborhood.  I can't wait to see what South Florida life has in store for me!

Kell

June...

Wow, the entire month of June has gone by without a blog post.  In my own defense, I have a good reason.  I've been in the process of moving from Guam to Florida.  The move began at the end of April when we shipped the majority of our belongings and hasn't ended yet... although we are almost done moving.  We spent the month of May sleeping on a air bed, with only a few belongings and spent the month of June in six different hotels and the homes of two family members.  We still have only the belongings we were allowed to fly with (2 suitcases and 2 carry-ons each) and the boxes of stuff we mailed to family members.  However, at the end of the week we will close on our house, and should have our shipments delivered in the next couple of weeks.

Now that I'm done with the excuses, I can go on to the beady happenings in my life.  During our journey, we spent some time visiting our families in Maine and New York.  While in Maine, we spent some time on a small island with a great beach.  Since the beach is only accessible by boat, it is relatively undisturbed.  While combing the beach with my husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and puppy we found a bunch of buoys and LOTS of beautiful sea glass.  I can't wait to start designing with it!!!  Here are some pictures of the glass we found:

My entire stash:

Bottle pieces:

The whites:

The browns:

The blues, greens, and one purple piece:

Check back later for how I use these beautiful finds in custom jewelry pieces!!!